The cast and creative team of Amazon MGM Studios’ forthcoming film Mercy gathered on stage at New York Comic Con for an insightful panel discussion on their innovative approach to filmmaking while unveiling the film’s trailer.
Chris Pratt, his co-star Kali Reis, director-producer Timur Bekmambetov, and producer Charles Roven convened at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to discuss the film, which is slated for release on January 23, 2026. Set in 2029, the narrative follows Pratt’s character, a LAPD detective who wakes up restrained in an execution chair, facing trial for the murder of his wife. He has just 90 minutes to prove his innocence to an advanced A.I. system named Judge Maddox (played by Rebecca Ferguson), serving as his judge, jury, and executioner.
The panel commenced with a video message from Ferguson, who expressed her regrets for missing the event and teased some “mind-blowing footage.” Shortly thereafter, Pratt revealed the film’s nearly three-minute trailer, captivating the audience.
Regarding this new role, Pratt remarked, “This was a departure for me. He is a homicide detective in the near future, and a guy who has seen a lot. He’s part of a revolutionary new Mercy program designed to utilize A.I. for enhanced efficiency in addressing the rising capital crime in this iteration of Los Angeles. The priority is clear: eliminate murderers and send a decisive message.”
Director Bekmambetov noted, “There is something new for Chris in this movie. It’s his next iteration. He plays a dark and vulnerable character in a dramatic narrative.” He shared insights on casting, emphasizing the choice of actors who bring diverse performances to the forefront. “[Chris is] renowned for his action roles, yet this film places him in an intense dramatic setting, where he literally faces the electric chair for 90 minutes. Kali portrays his supportive partner, while Rebecca embodies a complex A.I. judge.”
Reis highlighted her character’s loyalty, noting, “She possesses depth and layers that unfold as the story progresses. The script did a terrific job of establishing her background, which explains her strong belief in this judicial system.”
During the discussion of the film’s runtime, Bekmambetov emphasized that Mercy‘s 90-minute format is a vital storytelling mechanism, encapsulating the tension of a ticking clock in a courtroom. “In contemporary society, A.I. is becoming increasingly prevalent, and we must contemplate its implications for our future”: he added.
Producer Roven acknowledged the significance of the A.I. theme in his decision to join the project, stating, “When we initially received the pitch, discussions surrounding A.I. were nascent. By the time we developed the script, A.I. discussions were at the forefront of society, aligning our narrative with a rapidly approaching future. New developments make this movie increasingly prescient.”
As the panel concluded, the production team underscored the film’s unique visual experience, particularly highlighting the use of IMAX technology. Bekmambetov stated, “We shot extensively in downtown areas, leveraging advanced technology to merge live-action footage with virtual elements, enhancing the immersive quality of the film.”
Roven emphasized the significance of viewing Mercy in IMAX: “This experience draws the audience into Chris’s character’s reality, as the visuals will have a volumetric depth that feels almost tangible, creating a truly engaging cinematic experience.”
As fans eagerly await the film’s release, discussions surrounding the implications of A.I. in our society are sure to spark curiosity and contemplation long after the credits roll.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.